is a skin infection affecting the sebaceous glands that results to the
development of blackheads, pimples, whiteheads and inflamed red growths.
It is most common in adolescents when the sebaceous gland is most
active.
It develops when the hair follicle, which aids in the
removal of secretions and lubricates the skin, is blocked. This causes
the toxins, oil and bacteria to build up beneath the skin’s surface. It
finally ruptures.
| Home remedies for acne |
Acne is also caused by dust in the skin,
hormonal imbalance and stress. Though bacteria take a major part in its
development, acne is not a bacterial infection.
Adult acne is a
mild but persistent form of acne. It comes as a result of sharp hormonal
fluctuations that occur during ovulation, menstruation, menopause and
pregnancy. It can also be caused by certain birth control medications.
Acne can be triggered by:
- Hormonal changes; due to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
- Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
- Certain drugs such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin
- High levels of humidity and sweating
Below is an inforgraphic by Hannah Do detailing 92 Sneaky Causes of Acne
Steps you can take to help your acne:
- Use a mild, nondrying, ordinary soap to keep your skin clean.
- Remove all dirt or make-up.
- Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising to remove the excreted toxins from the surface of your skin.
- Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
- Wash your hands before applying any makeup.
- Throw away old makeup and buy new makeup frequently.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water.
- You can use the Clear SkinMAX skin cleansing system.
What one should not do:
- Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. It leads to skin infections and scarring.
- Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats
- Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers as this spreads the infection.
- Noncomedogenic products have been tested and proven not to clog pores and cause acne.
- Avoid using oils, greasy moisturizers and cleansing creams, and other cosmetics.
- Don’t borrow or use somebody else’s makeup.
- Avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing
- Avoid a high-calorie diet, especially fried foods and sweets as they make the condition much worse.
If the condition deteriorates, over-the-counter acne medicated can be applied directly on the skin. They work by;
- Causing the top layer of your skin to peel
- They work by killing bacteria,
- Drying up skin oils
They may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid and could cause redness or peeling of the skin.
A
small amount of sun exposure may improve acne a little, but mostly it
just hides the acne. However, too much exposure to sunlight or
ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk for
skin cancer.
